Chihuahua is the most popular dog breed among women. These cute miniature pets attract more and more attention every year. Dogs become favorites of celebrities, urban fashionistas adore them, they serve as faithful companions of life for people of mature age. A lady with a chihuahua mini in a fashionable bag is a lasting trend in recent years.
It is simply amazing how in a dog of such a tiny size could fit so much devotion, love and charm!
Amazing stories
Chihuahua breed is one of the most ancient and mysterious. There are many legends about its origin. The history of dogs was studied even by the most outstanding scientists of the world.
There are many versions, among them there are romantic and fantastic, and some are simply amazing. For example, some people believe that a chihuahua dog came to us from outer space and endows its owner with unique living energy pouring through a non-healing hole in the skull (fontanel). According to another, no less strange opinion, the ancestors of cute doggies climbed trees, and this helped them survive with such a small size. Amazing right?
Mexican kid
The most popular and, by the way, scientifically confirmed story about Chihuahuas connects them with the ancient Mayan and Aztec tribes . There is evidence that, starting in the 5th century AD, small dogs, called “leakies,” lived in the territory of modern Mexico. Their images can be seen in the stone carvings of that era. The most famous of these paintings is located in the majestic palace of Montezuma.
However, techichi is not the only ancestor of a chihuahua. It is believed that the modern breed was born as a result of crossing these babies with a Chinese hairless dog. Due to this confusion (as stated by multiple reviews), Chihuahuas are born both long-haired and short-haired.
Breed standard
According to the FCI classification, Chihuahuas are miniature companion dogs. The perfect show dog has a compact body shape. The skull must certainly be apple-shaped, and the tail should be moderately long and high raised. The height of the withers is slightly less than the total body length. In males, the body is more square than in females (so that it is easier for the latter to endure pregnancy).
Chihuahuas are smooth and long-haired. In the latter, the coat should be smooth and silky, slightly longer on the ears, neck, back of the legs and tail. Long, reared wool all over the body is unacceptable.
What a beautiful color
Chihuahua dogs can be of any color. However, there are especially valuable ones. The most unusual shade is gray-silver with a bluish tint, it is impossible to instill it artificially, as this will negatively affect the health of the chihuahua. The price for a puppy of such a rare color can start at $ 10,000.
The ideal weight of the dog ranges from 1.5 to 3 kg. There are also especially small individuals, whose weight starts from 500 g.
By nature, the dogs are active, attentive and very courageous. In any case, this is how most owners characterize them, leaving detailed reviews.
Chihuahua: where to buy
Along with popularity, a number of unique breeds is growing. But if you decide to buy a baby, it is best to contact a reputable nursery. There you are guaranteed to be sold a purebred, healthy puppy. Having made a purchase “on hand”, you can become the owner of a mestizo of unknown origin. In addition, in nurseries, puppies are watched by professionals and competently look after them.
My baby
When choosing a puppy, adhere to the following criteria:
inspect the litter, all puppies should be well-groomed;
choose the most active and temperamental, if you like it, stop your choice on it;
start examining the puppy, it should be well-fed (protruding ribs and a swollen stomach - the first sign of infection with helminths), and the coat should be smooth and silky;
inspect the eyes and nose, there should be no discharge;
watch the babies during feeding, the puppy should have a good appetite;
examine the puppy's parents, this will help to imagine what your baby will look like when he grows up.
Issue price
You have to pay for happiness, especially if it runs on four legs. Chihuahua puppies can cost from 15,000 to 100,000 rubles.
The following factors influence the price:
bitches cost 25% more males;
puppies with a predicted weight of less than 1.5 kg, as well as with a strong physique, on short paws are valued more expensive than their relatives;
rare color and titled ancestors also significantly affect the price.
Care and maintenance
As many reviews say, chihuahuas are very gentle creatures that require a careful and delicate approach. By nature, they have very fragile bones, and even a jump from a low chair can cause a fracture. Therefore, it is not recommended to start them in the house where young children live.
Chihuahua hair requires careful, but not too complicated care. Bathe dogs as needed. But not too often, as this will adversely affect the quality of the coat and can cause dandruff. Claws on paws are cut once a month.
Health
Kids can not stand the cold and drafts. Even with a slight drop in temperature, they begin to tremble. The reason for this is a quick metabolism in the pet's body. It is strictly forbidden to walk with them at negative temperatures, you can only go out when the thermometer shows more than zero. But do not forget to put the dog in a warm jumpsuit. It is very important to monitor the condition of the dog’s eyes and check the ears for infections.
Chihuahua dogs need to be fed in small portions. Exceeding the dose regularly can dramatically lower your pet’s blood sugar, resulting in a coma.
Chihuahua: Dental Care
Like all dwarf dog breeds, Chihuahuas have an inherent problem with teeth. They quickly deteriorate and begin to fall out already at the age of 4-5.
Difficulties begin at an early age, during the period of the change of teeth. Very often they do not fall out on their own, and the second row of teeth (permanent) grows in the dog’s mouth, which negatively affects the bite. In this case, you must definitely use the services of an animal dentist.
To maintain the health of the pet’s teeth for as long as possible, periodically remove the tartar (of course, from a professional). And wipe them with a decoction of oak bark.
Parenting
As many reviews say, chihuahuas have a real hot Mexican temperament. For such obstinate persons, proper education is very important.
Chihuahua puppies must not be taken under three months of age. For dogs of this breed it is very important to stay in your family as long as possible. Puppies deprived of this opportunity grow up selfish, get along badly with people and other dogs.
Remember that a companion dog will always be with you, so it is very important to socialize it in time. Walk a lot, meet new people and other dogs. Stop the nervous and loud barking, especially if it is out of place. But never punish a baby by hitting with a hand or a leash. From this, he will grow up nervous and withdrawn.
In general, a Chihuahua will not cause its owner much trouble. They are active and playful, but quickly calm down when they see that the owner is busy with other things. Dogs do not need long walks, they can be trained to handle the need for a cat tray. They eat little (only 50 grams per kilogram of weight per day), are unpretentious and neat. For this, Chihuahuas have become a favorite breed of the elderly.